I am having trouble focusing on my other writings (too much
caffeine!) so I thought I would write about an album that is new to me although
probably not newly produced. As you know, if you’ve read any of my earlier
posts, I went to Italy in 1992 sort of to play music and to think about things.
I stayed with a good friend of mine, who was also the guitarist I played in a
band with, Leonardo Boni. He is truly a fabulous guitar player. We met, I don’t
remember the year, back in Putney School in Vermont and established a decent
rapport down through the years. I am introducing you to him here because not
only was he a big part of my life for a while (in both Boston and Florence. He
resides in Florence now.), but he has created a new album of music both
original and cover songs which is now available (I think you can go to
www.leoboni.com to order it). I spent an evening with Leo our last trip to Tuscany and was able to get my hands on a copy.
When we talk about guilty pleasures we talk about something
that is so deeply satisfying that it must be, has to be, bad for you and
therefore burdensome in a guilty way. The pleasure comes right from your toes
up your spine and makes your scalp ache (at least it does to me!). That is how
I feel about what he has created here, Leo has hit a guilty chord within me and
if you would take a listen, I am sure you will feel the same way. The childlike
innocence and joy with which he plays each song treating it as a wake up call
for happiness, even those tunes that are wrapped in a sad sounding package.
From Louis Armstrong, to Tom Waits, his vocals run through texture and timbre
resonating well with the Mediterranean/swing/gypsy sounds that he has
developed. Leo has been playing many genres of music for many years and here I
think he has hit his stride with a happy traipse through the landscape of his
(and mine) beloved Tuscany otherwise known as Toscana. If you are looking for a
guilty pleasure that is non fattening nor fatal if swallowed, give a listen to Sogno
Toscano, it will be, I’m sure, habit forming.
Sogno Toscano is a
window into the heart of a musician who is truly smitten by the history,
vitality and beauty of the land he calls home. I would recommend to all; give
him a shout and ask him for a copy! I have tried to set up links to his site
and to youtube for a sample. I hope they work!
Anyhow, I am having trouble sitting still so until next time
I get jumpy…enjoy!
